Chapter Text
Dearest Gentle Reader,
This season is upon us all! Grosvenor Square is a-flutter with news of a new family. Dowager Countess Penwood has arrived
It is a return, for those who knew her as Lady Mary Sheffield, who scandalously abandoned her engagement to the Earl of Doncaster for an Indian clerk. Her return to these shores went unnoticed, for she remained outside of society, wedding the Earl of Penwood….
“The Lady Penwood has arrived in London.” Portia mused, watching the carriage pass by, “Bold of her - two husbands!”
At the breakfast table, Penelope raised an eyebrow at an amused Colin. His mother in law's dramatics were always amusing and this morning's Whistledown announcement that the Dowager Countess Penwood was back in society had caused her quite the excitement.
“I doubt she is a murderess.” Colin said, amused.
“Two husbands?” Portia challenged, “Both young and dead?”
“Perhaps she sought independence.” Penelope suggested, “Or steals their youth - she is very beautiful by all accounts.”
Portia hummed thoughtfully, “And three daughters to marry off. She certainly may have the funds.”
Penelope shook her head with a sigh.
“Did you know Lady Penwood, mama?” Hyacinth asked curiously.
Bridgerton House was abuzz - Hyacinth was ecstatic for her first peek into the Season whilst Eloise, lounging in armchair dreaded it.
“Not too well. She was the Queen's Incomparable,” Violet explained, sipping her tea “I remember her being very kind. But she married a man considered to be unsuitable for her station.”
“I suppose black widows can start kind.” Eloise joked. She would rather admire the mysterious Lady Mary if she had done her husbands in.
Violet eyed her reproachfully, “She is not a black widow and you shall be kind to her and her daughters - whom I hear are very lovely.”
Anthony, however, was stern, “I do not believe associating with such a scandalous family is in this family's best interest.” He said, peering over his paper.
Violet shook her head, “That may be hard, my boy, for Lady Danbury is a good friend to Lady Mary. So I should like all of you to not repeat any rumours or to be incredibly uncharitable. Glass houses.” Her last words were directed to the Viscount himself who nodded, acquiescing to his mother.
“What if one her daughters are named the Diamond? Shall you wish to associate with her but not her mother?” Eloise asked teasingly.
Anthony glared at his younger sister but said nothing as she cackled.
Penwood House had seldom been calm since the move to London. No, not because of the staff who were more than professional and not even because of the nerves of the dowager countess.
No, her beautiful, radiant daughter's were the main cause of chaos.
“Newton!”
Kate chased the dog, as Madame Delacroix was taking Sophie's measurements. Edwina, head in a book, lifted her legs as Newton ran underneath her, but accidentally tripped her sister who fell into a pile of silk cloth.
“Oh, Kate, I'm so sorry!” Edwina stood up, to help her oldest sister up when she found herself tangled in
“Edwina, watch-!” Sophie lost her balance, joining her sisters on the floor.
Mary huffed, unsure of whether to yell or laugh. She settled on looking down at Newton, who was now wearing some red silk and panting up at her.
“Do not look at me like that.” She scolded the dog, “My girls.” She sighed, fondness in her voice, “How can three young ladies cause such chaos?”
“Well, we are overachievers, Mama.” Kate jokes, pulling a loose ribbon from Edwina's hair “Sorry,”
“Apologise to Madame Delacroix.”
Madame Delacroix was amused, however. She stood from where she had knelt, her small book of measurements in hand, “Your daughters are most lovely and I have all I need.”
Mary nodded politely, offering an apologetic smile as the seamstress was escorted out.
“Make sure to add extra sparkles to Kate's gowns!” Edwina requested brightly.
“I do not need to sparkle for I am not getting married.” Kate insisted.
‘Yes, yes, dreary old maid Kate.’ Sophie said with a fond eye roll.
Mary returned to the drawing room, “Lady Danbury shall he here soon. I need all of you on your best behaviour.”
“Lady Danbury?” Sophie echoed. She knew the name. They had received presents throughout their childhood signed by their mama’s mysterious old friend.
“Why is she so important?” Kate asked.
“She is the Queen's oldest confidante and one of her longest serving ladies.” Mary explained, “If we are to navigate the season at all, we need her help.”
“The Queen surely cannot be angry with you after all the time, Mama?” Sophie asked curiously.
“The Queen may be as angry with me until the world ends, as is her prerogative.” Mary said, “But Agatha knows London society better than I do.” She had been away for years after all.
Lady Agatha Danbury inspected the three young ladies with scrutinising eyes. Numerous daughters making their debut at once was tricky for any family, no matter their status. But this unique family her dear Mary had created for herself would be a challenge in some ways.
If there was one thing Agatha enjoyed, however, it was a challenge.
Kate was staring ahead at the wall, the expression of a woman who wished to do something else. Sophie was fiddling with her necklace. Edwina was smiling politely, waiting for Agatha to come to her.
Sbe started with the eldest, “What do you seek in a husband?” Agatha asked.
Kate blinked. Once. Twice. Then she straightened up, “I do not wish to marry.”
“You see yourself as an old maid at the age of six and twenty?” Agatha raised an eyebrow.
“I do not wish to wed some empty headed noble who believes we should all be grateful he was born.” Kate explained.
Agatha, both impressed and annoyed, looked at her mother, “Her talents?”
“Kate is a beautiful painter, especially with watercolours. And a talented horsewoman.” Mary supplied, “She is very accomplished.”
Kate huffed, “I do not think any of that matters.”
“Of course it matters.” Agatha interrupted her, waving her free hand. She then moved over to Sophie who looked up up, clasping her hands together, “This one?”
“Sophie speaks exceptional French and Korean.” Mary supplied, “And has a beautiful singing voice and embroiders beautifully.”
“Do you dance?” Agatha asked Sophie.
Sophie's eyes widened slightly, “I…yes, not well. I like to dance. I'm just not a dancer, per se.”
Agatha narrowed her eyes, looking back at Mary. She then moved to the youngest in pink. Edwina had been awaiting her questions, it was clear. She stood as though someone was always watching and taking notes.
“And you?”
“I am as accomplished as my sisters, I believe.” Edwina said, “And I am eager to learn from you, Lady Danbury.”
Agatha paused, eyes narrowing, “And your accomplishments?”
“Edwina is fluent in multiple languages - English, French, Italian, as well as Hindustani.” Kate offered before their mother could speak.
“And she dances beautifully, places the pianoforte and sitar.” Sophie added, “She is most accomplished indeed.”
Edwina felt her cheeks warm under her sisters' praise, “Well, Sophie would sit with me for my pianoforte lessons and Kate helped me with my riding.” Edwina said, smiling bashfully, “Mama is perhaps the most accomplished of us all, however.”
Agatha lips twitched upwards, her eyes softening. Yes, she would do nicely, “You are an impressive young lady. You all are.”
When the girls were dismissed, Mary and Agatha sat in the smaller parlour, tea laid out for them.
Agatha looked at Mary, “You have three girls out at the same time. It shall be difficult. But they are accomplished, so that is a boon.”
Mary sighed, “Her Majesty has not forgiven me, has she?”
“For which marriage?” Agatha asked, a knowing smile on her face “For both were made without her say so.”
Mary bit her lip, sipping tea once more as though she wished for it to be something stronger. “I do not wish this to ill affect my girls. She may punish me all she likes - just not my girls. They deserve good, happy matches.”
“Do not be a martyr, my dear.” Agatha said, reaching out and patting her arm, “If there is one thing Her Majesty enjoys more than holding a grudge, it is a story - and my dear, you have a better story than most. Your girls will be of intrigue too. Even your prickly eldest.”
“Kate is not prickly, she is assertive and is protective of her sisters.” Mary defended, “And I shall not force her to wed unless she wishes to.”
“If her sisters are to make good matches, I would advise her to cease all talk of becoming a governess. And Sophie must learn more dances.” Agatha listed, making a mental note to send around a dance master, “Your youngest is the only one prepared - but dreamy.”
“Edwina will want to please us all.” Mary said quietly, “She always does. I don't want her to feel how I did.”
Agatha looked at the younger woman with sympathy, “You were Diamond of your season, my dear. Adored by all-”
“I was a prize.” Mary corrected, sharply “Not a lady or even a person. A prize for my parents to bandy around. A lady seen for her suitability of breeding heirs. Only one man made me feel - no, helped me realise that I was so much more.”
Her hand drifted to the gold necklace around her neck, the small ing at the end of the chain something Mary did when she thought of Mikesh.
Agatha nodded, a silent apology, “And Lord Penwood?”
“Richard was a good man, a good husband. He needed a wife and I needed my girls secure. We were suited and we were happy.’ Mary smiled slightly.
“I may need to clarify - where does Sophie come from?”
“She is my daughter. A daughter of the Penwood House.” Mary said, “That is all anyone needs to know.’
Agatha pursed her lips, but said nothing further. Sophie's origins were rather obvious to her when Mary wrote about her the first time. But seeing the determined look in the Dowager Countess’ eyes, she could definitely weave a tale for the Queen that would be acceptable.
“You, Lady Mary Sharma-Gun, always knew how to make society talk. Well then, let us give them something to talk about!” Agatha declared, holding up her tea cup.
Mary gently clinked her tea cup against hers in a toast.
The three sisters lay in Kate's bed, for her bed had the most blankets on at all times.
“I am the Queen's Diamond.” Edwina repeated in disbelief, for the umpteenth time. But her sisters did not mind - for they were just as delighted.
“I knew you would impress the Queen.” Sophie beamed, “How could you not?”
“I was sure she would name you.” Edwina said in return, clutching a cushion and crossing her legs, “And this means we shall make wonderful matches.”
“Even Kate.” Sophie added, eyes sliding to the eldest who hit her with a cushion.
‘I am happier ensuring that both my sisters make happy matches.” Kate insisted.
“Viscount Bridgerton was interesting.” Sophie said, thinking of the Viscount who had invited Edwina to dance. She had seen his brother too, standing with their sister - Eloise, she believes her name is. Or was it Daphne?
“That Viscount is not the right man for Edwina.” Kate said firmly.
“Kate, I thought you were to have an open mind.” Sophie frowned. She did not understand her dislike for the man already.
Edwina huffed, “I am right here and I found him rather charming.”
“And probably only sees women suitable for breeding.” Kate pointed out, referring to the conversation she had overheard between some of the so called gentlemen.
Sophie snorted, “If that is your criteria then we may exclude most men in the Ton.”
“And I should like to think that I may discern for myself who is suitable and who is not.” Edwina added pointedly, “You shall not be marrying my husband, I shall.”
“Oh, the Queen's Diamond suddenly has some bite to her!” Sophie teased, sharing a smile with Kate.
Kate sighed, “I only wish to help you find your perfect match, Edwina.”
Edwina softened, “I know. But I am not a child. And you and Sophie cannot treat me like one anymore.”
“Promise.” Sophie said holding her hand. She and Kate were naturally protective over their little sister after all. She looked at Kate who sat up and held both their hands, the three sisters now in a circle on the bed.
“I promise.” Kate said, “London is not prepared for how brilliant we all are!”